Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2009-10: Frank Palazzese was drafted by Kingston in the fourth round (69th overall) of the 2009 OHL Priority Draft, Palazzese appeared in two games for the Frontenacs; spending most of the season with the CCHL's Markham Waxers. In two starts for Kingston, one in October and one in January, Palazzese was 0-2 – allowing 13 goals on 72 shots for a 6.50 goals against and .819 save percentage. Palazzese had a successful season with Markham, appearing in 29 games, and was selected for the CCHL Prospects Game. He was 16-11 with 2 shutouts and had a 2.81 goals against and .905 save percentage. In nine playoff games he was 4-4 with one shutout and had a 2.54 goals against and .931 save percentage.

2010-11: Palazzese appeared in 34 games with Kingston in his first full OHL season – splitting the goaltending duties with Capitals' prospect Philipp Grubauer. Palazzese had a 7-22 record for Kingston, with one loss coming in overtime and five in shootouts. He finished the season with a 4.16 goals against and .890 save percentage. Kingston finished third in the East and reached the playoffs with a sub-.500 record. Palazesse played in two of five games in the first round series with Oshawa and was 0-2 with an 8.25 goals against and a .776 save percentage. He was ranked 29th amongst North American goalies in Central Scouting's final rankings but was not selected in the 2011 NHL Draft in his first year of eligibility.

2011-12: Acquired from Kingston by the Kitchener Rangers in an August trade, Palazzese played more than expected when highly-regarded John Gibson (Anaheim) went down with an injury. In 36 games he was 20-15 for the Rangers with a 2.93 goals against and .927 save percentage. Kingston finished second to OHL champion London in the Midwest Division and lost to the Knights in the playoff semifinals. With Gibson back in net for the playoffs, Palazzese made two relief appearances and was 0-1 with a 1.78 goals against and .943 save percentage. Palazzese was invited to the NHL Draft Combine and ranked ninth amongst North American goalies in Central Scouting's final rankings prior to the 2012 NHL Draft.

2012-13: Palazzese began the year with the Kitchener Rangers, appearing in 20 games before a trade deadline deal to Sudbury. He appeared in 23 regular season games for the Wolves and started all nine playoff games as Sudbury reached the second round. In 43 regular season games between the two clubs he was 17-15-9 with 2 shutouts and had a 2.61 goals against and .922 save percentage. Palazzese was 4-5 with 1 shutout in the playoffs for Sudbury and had a 3.32 goals against and .900 save percentage. Ranked 14th in Central Scouting's mid-term rankings, he was ranked 31st in the final rankings prior to the 2013 NHL Draft.

Talent Analysis

Palazzese also was not drafted last year and will be hard pressed to hear his name called this season. He’s ranked 31st amongst goaltenders and is solid, if unspectacular, between the pipes.

He has average-to-small height for a goaltender (6’0) and is known for his work ethic. He was brought over to Sudbury half-way through the season and his game suffered -- posting a 3.00+ goals-against average over the last half of the year.